Just for today, lets leave the seaside and get back onto one of my favorite subjects and that is sketching. Now a sketch is not a rubishy, trashy image of n worth, but rather a complete piece of work produced in a rather special sort of way. The whole idea is simplicity and speed, adding in emotion and impression; keep complexity out of it. no use of rubbers or rulers (I would not be likely to use eithet of those, but you get the point) or any other measuring devices.

I use a drawing board simply because when out walking my A3, 3/16th MDF board is so light and comfortable to carry in my bag, against my back, that it is always with me. The other essential ingrediants are 1, a piece of paper, and 2, a pen or pencil, thats all; but to help the process along a flask of coffee and a picnic lunch is perfect. The above was produced whoilst I ate a corned beef and salad sandwhiche, followed by a pear and an orange. The whole process, including the eating, took about 30/35 minuets.

The location was at Polsden lacey, at the top of Woodlands Road; which in reality is a dirt farm track through the woods, but what a super location. We sat on a fallen log, it was lovely and warm, with dappled light flitting through the leaves, I sketched, Liz as reading her book and a few people passed whom we chatted with. All was just about perfect. Whilst the quick style of drawing captured the essence of the lane.

My A3 board is not at all essential, many people take a small A5 book with them and just a humble HB pencil, both fit easily in most pockets.. Never decry the pencil, remember my drawing of Cromer a few weeks ago.

Well must get on. Charles.